Mrs. Jane Doe is a 80-year old, retired, widowed school teacher who has been living in an apartment at the FED Assisted Living Facility for 4 years.

Solution Preview

This case presents an 80 year old retired school teacher with chronic renal failure with three interesting issues.

First, she refuses dialysis because her older sister has died while on dialysis with horrible side effects.
Her refusal to treatment is based on a preconceived notion derived from observation. It is important to understand that this notion is accompanied by fear which can affect the ability of the patient to choose (Marsh, 1986). On the patient’s favor is the fact that as a school teacher she has the ability to analyze objectively the situation if she is given the facts without imposing views and her concerns are addressed in an objective way. In any situation where the patient refuses treatment, it is important to ensure that the patient understands her condition and the treatment alternatives.

Second, her doctor insists that dialysis would improve the remainder of her life with no side effects.
Treatment is based on a cooperation agreement between the patient and the doctor (Marsh, 1986). This cooperation can only happen when there is an established communication process where the health care professional (HCP) is able to objectively explain in a language that will make sure the patient comprehends
?”The nature and purpose of a proposed treatment or procedure;
?The risks and benefits of a proposed treatment …